A BLACKROD road is set to be resurfaced at a cost of £100,000.

Bolton Council has decided to carry out the vital work in Grimeford Lane at a time when the road is already closed to the public so as to avoid disruption.

The route was shut back in July to allow Network Rail to carry out work to rebuild a railway bridge in the road.

The bridge is one of many around the borough that requires rebuilding to prepare for the electrification of the rail network in the region.

The road is expected to reopen to the public on November 20.

The resurfacing scheme — which will start next week — will cover an area of the road from its junction with the A6 Blackrod Bypass up to the boundary with Chorley.

Blackrod councillor Ann Cunliffe said: "This news will be a relief for residents of Blackrod and Horwich as the road will be resurfaced when it reopens.

"While Station Road was previously closed many vehicles used Grimeford Lane as an alternative route and a lot of damage has been done to the surface.

"Residents will be delighted that this work is taking place while the road is already closed — it is common sense."

The work is expected to take about four weeks to complete, subject to weather conditions.

The ongoing bridge work and subsequent closure of Grimeford Lane was delayed from its initial starting point in March.

This was because residents were furious that both Grimeford Lane and the nearby Station Road were being shut at the same time.

The double closure lasted just a week, with Network Rail agreeing to postpone the Grimeford Lane job.

Local contractor Hopkins is carrying out the work on behalf of Bolton Council. For more information, call 01204 336677 or e-mail highways@bolton.gov.uk.